Chicken Sausage Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Sausage Gnocchi Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. With tender gnocchi, savory chicken sausage, and a vibrant sun-dried tomato sauce, it’s a comforting dish that comes together easily and pleases the whole family.

Ingredients

• Avocado oil cooking spray
• 1 (12-ounce) package chicken sausage links, sliced
• 1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable gnocchi (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1 (15-ounce) jar sun-dried tomato sauce (or 2 cups marinara sauce)
• ½ cup water
• 5 ounces (1 bag or carton) baby spinach leaves
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
• ½ cup shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese (omit for dairy-free)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, mist generously with avocado oil cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until it starts to brown, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Add the gnocchi and sun-dried tomato sauce to the skillet. Add the water to the sauce jar, screw on the lid, shake well, then pour the water into the skillet. Stir to combine everything.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture just to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook until the gnocchi are soft, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Stir in the baby spinach and chopped basil. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the skillet with Parmesan cheese and additional basil before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or roasted vegetables.
• Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this dish gluten-free.
• Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a nice, mild heat.
• If you don’t have sun-dried tomato sauce, marinara sauce works well as a substitute.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable?

Yes, fresh gnocchi can be used. Since fresh gnocchi cooks faster, adjust the cooking time accordingly, usually 2-3 minutes until tender.

What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

You can omit the cheese for a dairy-free option or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor.

Chicken Sausage Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 74 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A quick and flavorful Chicken Sausage Gnocchi Skillet featuring tender gnocchi, savory chicken sausage, and a rich sun-dried tomato sauce, complemented by fresh spinach and basil, and topped with Parmesan cheese for a satisfying one-pan meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• Avocado oil cooking spray
• 1 (12-ounce) package chicken sausage links, sliced
• 1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable gnocchi (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1 (15-ounce) jar sun-dried tomato sauce (or 2 cups marinara sauce)
• ½ cup water
• 5 ounces (1 bag or carton) baby spinach leaves
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
• ½ cup shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese (omit for dairy-free)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, mist generously with avocado oil cooking spray to prevent sticking and prepare for cooking.
2. Cook Sausage: Add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sausage is lightly browned, which enhances flavor and texture.
3. Add Gnocchi and Sauce: Add the shelf-stable gnocchi and sun-dried tomato sauce to the skillet. Pour ½ cup water into the sauce jar, screw on the lid, shake to loosen the sauce remnants, and then add the water to the skillet. Stir everything to combine evenly.
4. Simmer Gnocchi: Bring the mixture just to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the gnocchi becomes soft and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
5. Add Greens and Herbs: Stir in the baby spinach and chopped fresh basil. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts thoroughly.
6. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil leaves over the top just before serving to add creaminess and a burst of fresh flavor.
7. Store Leftovers: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Notes

• Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Omit Parmesan cheese or substitute with a dairy-free alternative for a dairy-free version.
• Shelf-stable gnocchi is used here for convenience and easy cooking.
• For a spicier version, choose chicken sausage with added herbs or spices.
• Leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to maintain moisture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: chicken sausage gnocchi, skillet dinner, quick meal, easy pasta recipe, sun-dried tomato sauce, spinach, basil, Parmesan cheese